ONCE MORE, WITH YOU

XXIV

Summer Preston

I had just wrapped up the final interview with the models, and if there was one thing I was certain of—it was that Amara stood out from the rest.

Her confidence was undeniable, and the clarity with which she answered my questions kept me completely engaged.

When she said,"You can teach someone to walk. You can teach them to pose. But you can't teach them to own a room. That comes from within." she was absolutely right. A model isn't just a face or a body in designer clothing; it's about command. Without presence, you can't hold a room's attention, let alone captivate an audience. That applies to any position of power—whether you're leading a boardroom or walking a runway.

Modeling isn't just about looking good; it's about being seen. People travel across the world to watch you, to critique you—whether it's your outfit, your walk, or just you in general. If you don't own the space you're in, someone else will.

With those thoughts lingering in my mind, I gathered my belongings and made my way back to the office, where Solené was waiting.

As I stepped in, I noticed she was deep in conversation with someone. I lingered by the doorway, waiting for her to finish. She eventually stood from her seat, shaking the woman's hand before the visitor exited.

She let out a small sigh, and I set my things down before walking over to her. Without thinking, I placed my hands on her shoulders, gently rubbing them as I looked up into her eyes.

"Long day?" I asked softly.

"You have no idea," she murmured, leaning down to press a kiss against my lips.

I smirked, tilting my head. "I hope I made it a little less stressful."

She smiled, a bit more relaxed now. "You did. I really appreciate you helping me, baby. I know you probably had other things to do—"

"I didn't," I cut in, shaking my head. "You needed help, so I helped. That's all."

Her smile deepened before she wrapped her arms around my waist, pulling me into a hug.

"How were the interviews?" she asked as she pulled back, her hands still resting on my waist.

I bit my lip, thinking for a moment. "They were... interesting, to say the least."

An amused look flickered across her face. "Why interesting?"

I exhaled, leaning against the desk. "You could tell some of the girls were nervous. Their answers weren't as strong compared to the ones who exuded confidence. One girl in particular stood out—Amara Kingsley. I know you'd like her."

"I'll make sure to take her under consideration." She brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "What did you like about her?"

"Her confidence," I said without hesitation. "She's doing this in honor of her mother, and I realized that her mother is Aviana Kingsley."

Recognition flickered across Solené's face. "That's why her last name sounded familiar. I've met her mom before—such a wonderful woman. Down-to-earth, kind. She's mentioned her daughter to me once or twice, but I never really paid much attention. Until now."

"Well, now you know." I stepped back, grabbing the stack of notes I had taken. "I attached a photo of each girl to their respective profile, along with their names, ages, and my notes from the interviews." I handed the papers over to her.

She took them, glancing through the pages. "Thank you, beautiful. I really appreciate this."

"Of course." I watched as she packed the papers along with the rest of her things. "Are you ready to head out?"

"Yes," she said, sliding the last item into her bag. "I'll call everyone back in a day or two to finalize my decision."

I smirked. "I trust you'll make the right choice, pretty."

She blushed slightly, though she tried to play it off. "You believe in me?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Obviously. But... are you blushing?"

She scoffed. "No, I don't blush."

I chuckled. "I think you're blushing."

"It's just really hot. Don't flatter yourself."

"I'm always flattered," I teased, grabbing her hand as we left the office.

As we took the elevator down to the lobby, I glanced at her. "Nolan has probably eaten everything in the vending machine by now."

She rolled her eyes. "You know he has. I don't understand how he eats so much."

"I have to kick him out every week. He only comes over to raid my snacks."

We both laughed, walking toward the building's entrance—until we spotted an argument unfolding in the distance.

A woman stood near the reception desk, her voice sharp as she spoke to Nolan.

"Listen, I know Solené. Just tell her that Drew Alden is here."

The second that name left the woman's mouth, I felt the shift.

I glanced at Solené. She had gone stiff, her expression unreadable, but the tension in her body was unmistakable.

My instincts kicked in immediately. Stepping in front of her, I lowered my voice. "Sol, are you okay?"

She looked down at me, offering a small, reassuring smile before pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead. Then, without a word, she handed me her blazer and bag.

What the fuck is going on?

Nolan, sensing the moment, sighed and gestured toward Solené. "Look, if you want to talk to her—there she is."

The woman turned around, her gaze locking onto Solené's. A slow, knowing smirk curled across her lips.

"Hi, baby."

Baby?